Dear Colleague,

**ORR's Sustainable Development & Environment Duties**

1. Sustainable development and environmental issues have never had a higher profile. The railway has an important role in providing a sustainable transport system and ORR must also contribute where we can add most value. I am therefore pleased to send you a copy of our conclusions on ORR's sustainable development and environment duties, which sets out how we will engage with you and other industry stakeholders to achieve the right outcomes for the rail industry and society as a whole.

2. As you are aware, in October 2006 we consulted on how we could best discharge our sustainable development and environment duties. This generated a high level of interest from industry stakeholders and other interested parties. The October document said we would issue draft conclusions followed by final conclusions. However, the general consistency of consultation responses has led us to move directly to final conclusions. I would like to thank all those who have played a part in developing our policy and are working towards identifying an industry sustainable development strategy.

3. The rail industry has traditionally been regarded as a sustainable mode of transport and this view has been supported in recent reports by Stern and Eddington. Developing and publishing industry information on rail's sustainable performance is a key element of our policy. This will demonstrate rail's benefits and inform industry's approach to delivering a sustainable railway.

4. I look forward to continuing working with you to achieve this.

Yours sincerely

Bill Emery